Big question mark whether Sky will be able to keep the 'dream team' together. Astana have already said they want Froome, and Richie Porte might fancy a lead rather than supporting role. Cav will have suitors as well.

Sky should let Wiggo and Froome race early one, see who is trongest then throw their weight behind that rider, although that may dilute their team assault. Also I don't think cav will be happy being left to his own devices again. 3 stage wins is excellent considering he thought he was only going to win one, but he'll want more protection, like team mates getting him back to the peloton after a hill or a mechanical

Because if you are like me, your standing in the que at the butchers and the butcher is having a chat with the guy in front of me about how Froome should be winning because he is the better rider as he pulled away from Wiggo on that stage.

Makes me want to deliver a half hour lecture on how racing works, but the point is I bite my tongue because I never thought I would hear that conversation in a butchers shop in battersea.

I sure they will do exactly that, it was more wishful thinking. All the indications are Froome will lead the team with Bradley in support, as Bradley has alludded to it in every press conference. It's a given that after lots of 'new' things this Tour gone, the 100th one will feature as many 'icons' and 'classics' as the can shoehorn in. Galibier, Ventoux, Alp d'Huez, It's go to be very big

Performance wise all Sky riders have benefitted from the rider-led meticulous and professional training and preparation at team Sky, though due to strategies and hierarchy this does not necessarily translate into results for individual riders.....part of the reason Froome was in a position to come second was because he benefited form being part of the Sky setup......he may not be able to win the TdF or even repeat his 2nd place in another team (especially not Astana!).

I have spent years trying, in vain, to enthuse others with my love of cycling and so why is it that now, when everyone is suddenly interested and excited by cycling, that I feel a little miffed?

totally agree!
its such a british thing to do though, this country is generally speaking so unsuccessful in its sporting achievements (apart from the olympic squad and a few other instances) that whenever they win an event, everybody jumps on the bandwagon voraciously. thats why i found lesley garrets decadent rendition of the national anthem so insulting!

"isn't the tour de france just people riding bicycles, that isn't a sport"

They have to deal with cunts like me getting all giddy and shouting 'kick a goal!'

I was out riding round the Peak District on saturday, and it kind of occurred to me that people might think I'm like those sad twats you see in your local park playing tennis during Wimbledon fortnight and only then.

I was out riding round the Peak District on saturday, and it kind of occurred to me that people might think I'm like those sad twats you see in your local park playing tennis during Wimbledon fortnight and only then.

It entirely depends on whether you were wearing Sky/BMC/Liquigas etc team kit